The first general election debate of the 2024 season saw President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump face off in Atlanta on Thursday night.

Viewers expressed significant concern over President Biden's health following the debate, referencing issues that came to the forefront within the first few minutes of the event, as the Washington Examiner reports.

As the debate commenced, President Biden's voice immediately drew attention.

Speaking with a hoarse voice and coughing several times within the opening minutes, Biden's health quickly became a focal point of viewer discussions.

Pollster Frank Luntz highlighted the reactions of his focus group of undecided voters. "My focus group of undecided voters is surprised and concerned about Biden’s voice. This doesn’t bode well for questions about his health," Luntz wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Media Analysts Weigh in on Biden's Performance

Media trainer and consultant Beverly Hallberg also weighed in on Biden’s performance. Hallberg commented on Biden's primary objective for the night, stating, “Biden has one goal tonight. To sound like he has four years of a fight left in him. So far, he’s failing in every way.”

Her assessment was echoed by media analyst Joe Concha, who described Biden's voice in unflattering terms. “Biden’s voice was ‘horrible’ and made ‘him sound even older than he is,’” Concha remarked.

Broadcaster Dana Loesch was equally critical, reacting strongly to Biden's performance. “OMG … Biden can’t even keep a coherent sentence,” Loesch commented.

Questions Arise About Biden's Recent Activities

The debate performance also raised questions about President Biden’s recent activities and health status. Jason Miller, a Trump adviser, questioned what might have happened to Biden during his time at Camp David. “WHAT DID THEY DO TO HIM AT CAMP DAVID???” Miller asked rhetorically.

Adding to the chorus of concern was Karoline Leavitt, Trump's 2024 national press secretary. Leavitt raised doubts about Biden's voice and his recent absence from the public eye. “What’s wrong with Joe Biden’s voice? Hasn’t he been hiding in the woods for a week????” she questioned.

The scrutiny of Biden's health and debate performance dominated much of the post-debate analysis, overshadowing other aspects of the evening's discussions. The focus on his voice and coughing episodes indicated a broader concern among viewers about his physical condition and ability to lead.

Impact on Biden's Campaign Moving Forward

As the first debate of the 2024 election season, this event was critical for both candidates. For President Biden, the reaction to his health could have significant implications for his campaign moving forward.

With media figures and political analysts highlighting his performance, the Biden campaign may need to address these concerns directly. Ensuring the public of his health and capability to serve another term could become a pivotal part of his strategy.

The reactions from the debate have set the tone for the remaining campaign period. Both candidates will likely adjust their approaches based on the feedback and criticisms received from this initial encounter.

Conclusion: Health Concerns Dominate Debate Reactions

The first general election debate of the 2024 season in Atlanta spotlighted President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, the focus quickly shifted to Biden's hoarse voice and repeated coughing, which raised health concerns among viewers.

With media analysts and political commentators weighing in, Biden's health became a primary topic of discussion. The reactions and questions posed by figures such as Frank Luntz, Beverly Hallberg, Joe Concha, Dana Loesch, Jason Miller, and Karoline Leavitt underscored the public's concern.

As the campaign progresses, addressing these health concerns will be crucial for President Biden's team. The scrutiny from this debate may influence the strategies and narratives moving forward in the race to the 2024 election.